'It would hurt to hear such a story' -  South Korea coach on why he cried after win v Flying Eagles 

The Flying Eagles' journey at the 2023 Fifa U20 World Cup came to an end on Sunday evening after a 1-0 loss to South Korea in a quarterfinal clash at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. 

Choi Seokhyun headed home a poorly defended cross in the fifth minute of extra-time to send the Koreans to the last four of the ongoing tournament in Argentina. 

The Flying Eagles had gone 545 minutes without conceding against an Asian side in the Fifa U20 World Cup until Choi’s goal.

Despite Nigeria earning an extra day of preparation, the South Koreans were physically up to the task, running a total of 147 kilometers, eight more than the Flying Eagles. 

One of the lasting images from the game was South Korea U20 boss Kim Eun-jung shedding tears after the final whistle. 

Asked to explain the meaning of the tears he shed after the match, Eun-jung was quoted as saying by Chosun:"Ahead of this tournament, I heard a lot that the national team is more concerned than expected.

"There was even a saying that it would be crazy, but from the leader's point of view, that part hurt the most. These are young players who have dreams and work hard, so it would hurt to hear such a story.

"Nevertheless, I was really grateful to the players who were showing off their potential while working towards that dream."

South Korea, the only undefeated team in this year's edition of the Fifa U20 World Cup, will face Flying Eagles' Group D opponents, Italy in the semifinals on Thursday at the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona, La Plata.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fifa.com

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